DEPTHSOUNDER Safety means keeping out of trouble in the first place, and a depthsounder helps keep your hull off the bottom. Most depthsounders, which start at $200, come with an audible depth alarm that alerts you if danger looms. Lost in the fog or stranded in the dark? Use a compass to head for shore and your depthsounder to find water that's close to shore yet deep enough to keep your boat from scraping bottom. Then, follow that depth curve up the coast until you find your harbor or a familiar landmark.

GPS OR LORAN It's hard to get lost if you have a GPS or loran onboard. These devices tell exactly where you are, the direction you're heading, and the distance you need to cover. Plus, if you're in trouble, the more information you can include about where you are when broadcasting a Mayday, the greater your chances of a quick rescue. After all, search-and-rescue craft have to find you. For $300 and up, a GPS or loran can pinpoint your location, helping to take the search out of search and rescue. In case anything happens to you, be sure guests are able to read the latitude and longitude numbers so they can give your location to the rescuers.

EPIRB I have never met a skipper who did not think an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) is a good idea for a basic boating safety device. Yet, most boat owners don't have one. You never know exactly what will happen at sea, and an EPIRB is the ultimate panic button. It's called on to function when everything else fails. It's saved numerous lives and property. Although EPIRBs are somewhat costly -about $750  the benefits far outweigh the expense.

A HANDHELD VHF RADIO This may seem redundant, but it isn't. A portable VHF has a different purpose than a fixed-mount VHF radio  it goes where you go. The mounted VHF radio is more powerful and a logical choice in an emergency, but it may not always be within arm's reach. In addition, if all power on the boat must be shut off due to an electrical fire or if you have to abandon ship, then a handheld VHF can get your call through. Starting under $150, portable VHF radios are essential to any boat.

These six safety devices are sure to fit within any boating budget. If price and size have kept one of these instruments off your boat, then you need to rethink your priorities. Boating safety starts with being prepared. One extra consideration: Radar. After you acquire the six essentials, give radar some thought  especially if you have a boat larger than 23'. Entry-level radars begin at $800.